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Cycling Tours in Europe

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With such a rich and varied history and an incredible range of landscapes there are endless opportunities for a cycle holiday in Europe. Around fifty states are concentrated into the world’s second-smallest continent. They vary in size from the Vatican City in Rome to Russia that dominates 40% of a territory that runs from Portugal in the west to the Ural Mountains in the east. The wealth of cultural heritage that can be found in Europe is thanks in part to being the birthplace of Western culture and the predominant role it has played in global affairs from the 15th century onwards. If you are interested in history and culture, few cycle destinations offer so much diversity packed into such a relatively small area.

From the Arctic Ocean in the north to the Mediterranean Sea in the south, a cycle holiday in Europe offers diverse landscapes and climate. The principal mountain ranges of the Alps and the Pyrenees offer superb scenery and outstanding mountain biking off road or challenging and exhilarating road cycling. Numerous other mountain ranges and foothills can be visited on two wheels across the continent. There is something for everyone with lowlands and river valleys such as the Danube which offer cycle routes on easier terrain.

The bicycle was invented in Europe and was once an invaluable mode of transport, though bike use has changed since the arrival of motorised travel. Nowadays bike riding is a popular pastime, hobby and spectator sport, as well as an increasingly common method of commuting. Some countries such as the Netherlands and Germany boast excellent networks of dedicated cycle routes while every country has quiet backroads that have been largely superseded by modern road networks, leaving the cyclist in relative peace to enjoy the old rural routes. The EU has coordinated and developed a network of cycle routes, known as the Eurovelo, that traverse numerous countries to cross the continent.

Wherever you cycle, there is little doubt that a cycle holiday is a healthy and green option. You may choose the classic cycling destinations of Spain, France, Italy or Portugal with a wealth of history, architecture, fine wines and good food. Or you may cycle the less visited eastern European countries with wild nature, traditional life that has changed little over time, stunning scenery and a warm welcome, from Poland through to Hungary and beyond. Pedal along the Baltic coasts in Estonia, Latvia or Lithuania, or discover the Balkans on two wheels in places such as Bosnia and Albania, where cyclists are starting to discover the wealth of attractions of these little visited nations.